Behind the stage name Ada Lapiedra is Lorena Hidalgo, born on 25 October 1993 in Lleida, Catalonia. She grew up in front of the camera from an early age, but as an adult she pursued a career in banking, before returning to what truly represented her. The transition came through fashion and artistic nude work — with appearances on platforms like Playboy and MetArt — until her professional porn debut in October 2022, with scenes for studios including Private, Blacked and Vixen. Within two years: a nomination as Best New Performer at the XBIZ Europa Awards 2024, and in 2025, the win at the AVN Awards in the Best New International Starlet category — one of the industry’s most coveted honours, cementing her place among the most compelling new faces on the international scene.
Reducing her to a list of accolades, however, would miss the point. Off set, Ada writes novels and poetry — a creative and literary dimension that runs alongside her work in front of the camera, and that says something specific about who she is beyond the persona. She draws a clear line between Lorena and Ada, and in that distinction lies her entire philosophy.
In this exclusive interview, we talk about the AVN Award, the long internal process that led her to leave the corporate world, how she handles pressure on high-profile productions, and an ambition that looks well beyond any single scene.
You won Best New International Starlet at the 2025 AVN Awards — a huge achievement. How did it feel to receive such an important recognition so early in your career?
It feels like a mix of vertigo and validation. Because I never would have imagined winning an award like this, especially in such an important category, and suddenly that recognition confirms that every risk, every difficult decision… was worth it. But more than a finish line, for me it has become a point of responsibility: proving that it wasn’t just luck or coincidence.
Your background is very unique: you worked in banking for several years before becoming a model and then a performer. What was the exact moment you decided to leave the corporate world to follow your childhood dream?
It wasn’t one specific moment — it was an internal process. For a long time, I felt like I was living a life that wasn’t completely mine. From the outside, everything looked “right,” but inside there was a constant feeling of discomfort. Until I realised that staying out of fear and security was also a way of losing myself. So I chose myself, even though it was terrifying.
I’ve always been someone who takes risks.
You often say that you are shy in real life, but you “transform” in front of the camera. How does this transformation happen? Is Ada Lapiedra a character or just a braver version of yourself?
Totally — Ada is a character, but she’s my character, created by me. She’s the version of myself that stops asking for permission. In real life, I’m more reserved, more observant, sometimes even insecure. But in front of the camera, I connect with a part of myself that feels much freer, stronger, and empowered. I don’t feel like I transform — I feel like I free myself from a lot of stigmas and allow myself to do whatever I want… like Barbie (laughs, ed).
Your first scene was driven by curiosity and personal challenge. What surprised you the most once you actually stepped into the industry?
What surprised me the most was the mental strength this industry requires. Although, honestly, I already expected it to be a tough world — and I think that also depends a lot on your age and how prepared you are mentally. From the outside, many people think it’s all about the physical aspect, but in reality the hardest part is handling the pressure, the opinions, the constant exposure, and the consequences that come with it.
I was also surprised to discover how much professionalism and discipline there is behind the scenes. It’s a huge, highly professional industry where, in the end, you choose what path you want to follow. It’s not a dangerous industry — it becomes dangerous if you’re not mentally strong.
If you could describe the adult industry in only three words, which ones would you choose?
Intense. Demanding. Free.
You’ve spoken about feeling nervous before some major shoots because of the expectations involved. How do you usually manage pressure in high-profile productions?
By accepting that fear is part of the process. I used to fight against it, but now I simply use it as energy. I prepare myself mentally a lot, and I remind myself that nobody gets to major productions by accident. The pressure doesn’t disappear when you reach a higher level — it increases. The difference is that you learn how not to break in front of it.
What is the biggest lie people believe about being a pornstar?
That it’s an easy and superficial job. People see the final result, but they don’t see the discipline, the mental exhaustion, or the emotional exposure behind it. There’s also a lot of prejudice. Some people publicly criticise this industry and consume it in private. I think that says more about them than it does about us.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received since you started this career?
“Learn how to say no.” Setting boundaries is one of the most important things in this industry and in life in general. When you learn to respect yourself, you start making better decisions in every aspect of your life. Never do anything in this industry unless you are 100% sure about it, because it will exist forever.
You’ve said you want to prove that working in adult entertainment doesn’t limit your other talents. What message would you like to send to people who still have prejudice about this industry?
No one should reduce a person to just one part of their life. Working in this industry doesn’t take away your intelligence, your sensitivity, your values, or your other talents, jobs, or studies. Many times, the problem isn’t what we do, but the double standards with which society chooses to look at it. And above all, in my opinion, the hypocrisy.
What is the most important lesson this industry has taught you about yourself?
That my value cannot depend on how much other people like me. It has to depend on how much I respect myself. I think this industry has forced me to get to know myself on a much deeper level and to develop a mental strength I didn’t even know I had before.
You said you didn’t join this industry to do just a few scenes and retire. What are your long-term goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?
I don’t want to be just a recognisable face from a specific stage of my life. I want to build something bigger than that: a brand, my own projects, and a career that evolves with me. I see myself with more independence, more control over my image, and exploring other creative and business paths. I didn’t enter this industry just to pass through it — I came to leave something behind. Because I’ve already gained and learned a lot. There’s nothing that limits me, and I think that’s my greatest achievement.
We thank Ada Lapiedra for her time. You can follow her on Instagram and find her exclusive content on OnlyFans.
